NCL christens new ship Norwegian Aqua

Two thousand guests join actor Eric Stonestreet in launch ceremony in Miami

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has celebrated the christening of its new ship Norwegian Aqua, with the traditional ceremony taking place in Miami in front of 2,000 guests and a special appearance by ship godfather, actor Eric Stonestreet (pictured).

The guests toured NCL’s first ship in its expanded Prima Plus Class, and enjoyed a preview of NCL’s new production Revolution: A Celebration of Prince, a tribute to the Grammy-winning musician.

The ceremony follows the ship's inaugural sailing in March 2025.

"It is a very special time for all of us at NCL, we are welcoming a new incredible ship into our fleet with the christening of the stunning and action-packed, Norwegian Aqua,” said NCL President David J. Herrera. 

"With our newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, entering into the market with voyages to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, it is the perfect time to start planning your next warm-weather vacation."

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Stonestreet, the two-time Emmy Award-winning actor best known from the hit TV show Modern Family, said “it is absolutely spectacular to see the amazing features and experiences that travellers and their families can enjoy aboard Norwegian Aqua”.

Norwegian Aqua features Ocean Boulevard, the largest 360-degree outdoor promenade ever built, the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster with a water slide, the Glow Court interactive digital sports complex and the Aqua Game Zone, for immersive games and virtual reality.

Norwegian Aqua in Miami

The actor had the honour of smashing the ceremonial bottle across the ship’s hull, a tradition to signify safe travel and good fortune for the vessel and its passengers and crew.

Following her christening voyage, Norwegian Aqua will head to Port Canaveral, Florida, for a season of seven-day Caribbean sailings through August 2025, including calls at Dominican Republic, US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands and NCL’s enhanced private island, Great Stirrup Cay.

From August 2025 through October 2025, she will sail a series of five and seven-day warm-weather voyages to Bermuda from New York City before returning to Miami for a season of seven-day Caribbean cruises between October 2025 through April 2026, calling again to Great Stirrup Cay.

To partner with NCL, email Rebecca Ransom, Business Development Manager Middle East, rransom@ncl.com, call/WhatsApp: +44 7961 300 729; for more information, visit www.ncl.com